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“A Walk in the Woods”

A gentle, safe exploration of Hansel & Gretel using handmade soft fabric puppets, sweet woodland treats, and family collaboration.

The Story & Woodland Exploration

Based on the much loved classic tale Hansel and Gretel, this session is a safe, imaginative exploration told using specially made soft fabric play puppets, with a magical stage set made of sweets and good things to eat!

Children let their imaginations run wild as they construct an enchanting woodland for Hansel and Gretel to discover. They imagine being lost among the trees, follow shiny white pebbles along the path, and snuggle down into cosy piles of leaves until they uncover the gingerbread house and meet a tricky witch.

Researched and developed over five years by DNA Puppetry & Visual Theatre, this programme represents a specialist contribution to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), demonstrating the profound benefits that visual performance brings to early intellectual, emotional, and physical growth.

Session Details

Recommended Age: 2–5 years

Duration: 1 hour

Season: Ideal for Summer or outdoor transition seasons

Liz introducing the characters and story
Liz introduces the characters and woodland story
Dads and parents stringing rope to hang children's artwork
Creative collaboration as dads string rope to display the children's woodland creations
Children and puppets interacting
Unique creature puppets created and named by the participating children

“I was expecting a traditional puppet show, like ‘Punch and Judy’. That’s the image that’s conjured up when you say puppets. They all got involved and were joining in.”

Participating Parent — Children’s Centre